Port Stephens Council has voted in favour of a range of measures to support the community through the coronavirus crisis.
During its Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday, the council made the decision to urge State and Federal Governments to provide local government assistance to support essential council services amid the global pandemic.
The council is asking for an increase to financial assistance from the Federal Government to help maintain essential functions and services, as well as giving assistance to businesses and residents.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says the COVID-19 Recovery Response and COVID-19 Financial Support package will ensure council operations and boost local economies.
“We know that Port Stephens is already suffering the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis and, without additional assistance, council may be forced to cut services, infrastructure projects, maintenance works and staff,” he says.
“We’re doing everything possible to provide support and deliver services needed to protect community health and keep our communities running during these difficult times.
“However, council faces increased costs and, at the same time, we are experiencing declining revenue with business closures and more and more ratepayers forced into financial hardship.
“It is critical that the local government sector receives adequate funding and resources to coordinate and deliver the services needed to navigate through and recover from, natural disasters and the new challenges presented by COVID-19 and its massive impacts on people and our local economies.
“Council needs urgent financial assistance from the Federal Government and NSW State Government to maintain infrastructure, services and employment as well as funding to give Council the capacity to provide hardship assistance to the community.”
The council hopes to make hardship support more accessible and implement other measures to ensure the community is supported throughout this pandemic.
For more information, visit Port Stephens Council’s website.
